They can be had relatively cheap over here Sue, if you don't mind watching eBay closely. I've got two Moulton Minis (14" wheels, smaller frame) that I got for a total of £8 from the freeads. Of course, then there's the work to do. You can come over, and we can have a Moulton co-operative. If you put aside £60, you can find yourself a tidy example on eBay.

"If you put aside £60, you can find yourself a tidy example on eBay."

I'm already getting death threats from the g.f for having three bikes around the house. :-(

They're sweet looking scoots, though..

looks like a nice frame, goodluck :D

I'm already getting death threats from the g.f for having three bikes around the house. :-(

They're sweet looking scoots, though..

Hey now. One of those bikes is HERS now. That means you need a third one. There are even seperable versions of this (not real folders mind)

I had been meaning to upgrade the rear hub to a Sturmey Archer 8 and finally got around to it. It presented a dilemma as I had a 36 hole hub and a 28 hole rim. But, after considerable head-scratching, and trying to remember my high school math classes, I decided to take the easy way out and just lace it radially. I figure with 28 spokes, and mighty short ones at that (123mm), I wouldn't have much of a problem. Besides, the front wheel was already radial, and I actually quite like the looks. So the result is this:

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e157/sesamecrunch/SA8.jpg



S/C, did you check with any wheel builders on running a radially laced rear wheel? I would think you should have at least the drive side with crosses (ala Dahon's lightweight wheels).. seems like it would be prone to some windup especially when under heavy torque.. but I could be all wet.... will be interested to hear if you encounter any problems with that wheel because it does look nice.

SC I don't use superlatives for the sake of using them! Quite simply this is the work of a craftsman with taste. You can afford to be as proud as a peacock lol! I'm sure Neokohime would lust after your bike more than my raw lacquer Brompton except mine folds better for commute purposes lol. It is a truly stunning bike and with the SA8 must ride great too. I love where you put the shifter too, very innovative.

I would have to nominate this upgraded Moulton and Littlepixel's lightweight Brompton as 2 of the finest bikes of their types I've ever seen on a personal build! Wow!

S/C, did you check with any wheel builders on running a radially laced rear wheel? I would think you should have at least the drive side with crosses (ala Dahon's lightweight wheels).. seems like it would be prone to some windup especially when under heavy torque.. but I could be all wet.... will be interested to hear if you encounter any problems with that wheel because it does look nice.

*Gulp* No, I didn't check with any actual professionals on this. Where would the excitement be in riding if everything was up to snuff :p?

I'm counting on the super short spoke length and the 28 spokes to keep me out of the hospital. I will frequently check the wheel in the beginning to see if it's OK. But, mostly this is a Pootling bike. And as the Master Pootler, Snafu21, will quickly tell you, there is a maximum speed limit of 12 mph for Pootles. :D

SC I don't use superlatives for the sake of using them! Quite simply this is the work of a craftsman with taste. You can afford to be as proud as a peacock lol! I'm sure Neokohime would lust after your bike more than my raw lacquer Brompton except mine folds better for commute purposes lol. It is a truly stunning bike and with the SA8 must ride great too. I love where you put the shifter too, very innovative.

I would have to nominate this upgraded Moulton and Littlepixel's lightweight Brompton as 2 of the finest bikes of their types I've ever seen on a personal build! Wow!

:o:o Aww shucks. It weren't nothin' :o:o

Actually, did you know this Moulton is genealogically linked with LittlePixel's Mercton? LP sent me the rims, hubs and brakes from his Merc. Yup, they came across the pond and now lives on in the Moulton. Isn't that fantastic?

Lovely restoration and upgrade.

A suggestion: The front wheel fender/mudguard on a 349 wheel needs to be longer and have a very wide mudflap as those wheels tend to spray water from the road in a very wide pattern. I learned this on my Stowaway and Mark 3.

Beautiful SC! Bring it to the next FolderFest and you will be the hit of the party.

Congratulations for the Ultimate Pootling Bike! This bike is a sight for sore eyes.

:o:o Aww shucks. It weren't nothin' :o:o

Actually, did you know this Moulton is genealogically linked with LittlePixel's Mercton? LP sent me the rims, hubs and brakes from his Merc. Yup, they came across the pond and now lives on in the Moulton. Isn't that fantastic?

No! That's a good story considering I linked you 2 purely on your ability to transform folding bikes into eclectic or futuristic wonders lol!

They can be had relatively cheap over here Sue, if you don't mind watching eBay closely. I've got two Moulton Minis (14" wheels, smaller frame) that I got for a total of £8 from the freeads. Of course, then there's the work to do. You can come over, and we can have a Moulton co-operative. If you put aside £60, you can find yourself a tidy example on eBay.

Any half way decent series 1 or 2 16'' wheeled Moulton is going to cost you at least 80-100 quid these days, and you wont find a Mk III for less than 150 +++. they are the most sort after cooking Moulton. 14'' Moulton's are a different story, note that they are framed for ''ladies, little blokes & big kids'' so if that's you, now would be a good time to buy and put away one or two nice ones, say a 4 speed and a Mini Automatic.

Of course, the first order of business was to transform our family room into a bicycle workshop

This is so so true - I'm sure you aren't alone. Loving the conversion with the period drops - looks like the perfect bike for going out and getting ice-cream on - Sweet!

Any half way decent series 1 or 2 16'' wheeled Moulton is going to cost you at least 80-100 quid these days, and you wont find a Mk III for less than 150 +++. they are the most sort after cooking Moulton. 14'' Moulton's are a different story, note that they are framed for ''ladies, little blokes & big kids'' so if that's you, now would be a good time to buy and put away one or two nice ones, say a 4 speed and a Mini Automatic.

In the style of BikesnobNYC, I've compiled a "Moultodex" from my recent watch list.

£73
£46
£62
£82
£41

Which means the Moultodex is right on the money at £60.80. I'm not saying those are cooking ones, but they're not Minis or Midis. Some want more work than others, but on the SesameCrunch model, you'll be refurbing anyway. I consider my point defended!

As far as Minis, I'm encouraged by the fact that the top of the seat tube is a trifle higher than that on my Downtube Mini, making me think that I can accommodate myself with the aid of modern seatposts. The fact that it's smaller makes the challenge of building a roadie killer all the greater!

Which means the Moultodex is right on the money at £60.80. I'm not saying those are cooking ones, but they're not Minis or Midis. Some want more work than others, but on the SesameCrunch model, you'll be refurbing anyway. I consider my point defended!

Ok, as you will, but dont fall into the trap I did, if it doesn't say the wheel size, dont assume its a 16'' model- best to always ask. Also when it comes to assessing refurbishing costs, most of these bikes were built by British Leyland, and for a very good reason, you don't see many Austin 1100's running around these days. The two most exasperating, mind numbing, vehicle maintenance tasks I've encountered, changing the brake master cyclinder on a Morris Minor, and removing a rusted in bolt on a moulton rear suspension.

No, they were all 16" models, for definite. I agree that rusted items can be a problem, but hey, I have a hand built EG Bates track bike where the seatpost is locked solid, and I've give up trying to move it, afraid that I'll damage the frame. Old bikes often involve stuck things, it's just part of the fun. I am deadly serious, however, that you can find a rideable Moulton for £60 or less, provided you're willing to be patient. It might take a month of watching eBay before you find one that's what you want, and isn't too far away, but it's eminently doable. I've bought a LOT of old bikes at bargain prices (in the region of 60 of 'em) on eBay, and patience and a willingness to drive somewhere a bit odd are your friends.

This is so so true - I'm sure you aren't alone. Loving the conversion with the period drops - looks like the perfect bike for going out and getting ice-cream on - Sweet!

Thanks for the idea! I think that'll be my Moulton Pootle this afternoon! :thumb:

anyone think i should take on this project, without buying a new dahon?

1990s moulton ABP frame:

http://i8.ebayimg.com/04/i/000/fd/df/e43d_1.JPG
http://i5.ebayimg.com/07/i/000/fd/df/f872_1.JPG
http://i12.ebayimg.com/03/i/000/fd/e0/0c37_1.JPG
http://i1.ebayimg.com/08/i/000/fd/e0/2009_1.JPG
http://i14.ebayimg.com/02/i/000/fd/e0/3478_1.JPG

if i take on this project i could also make quite alot of cash from it and would be able to afford a even better bike but i would be risky :s

anyone think i should take on this project, without buying a new dahon?

1990s moulton ABP frame:

if i take on this project i could also make quite alot of cash from it and would be able to afford a even better bike but i would be risky :s

Sweeeeet! :thumb:

If you don't take the project on, sell me the frame!!!! I'd love to work on it!:D

i might take it on but ive seen some newer bikes that i like but this would be fun :D, i like yours it looks alot less costly :D, i havent bought the frame yet i might not even buy it, its just another project im thinking about :D

Take it on! Forget the Dahon! I see it on the Bay - I guess it depends what it goes for. If you could get it for the starting price....

i might im not sure ive still got a couple of days to make up my mind yet :D

.......... patience and a willingness to drive somewhere a bit odd are your friends.

Very true, anythink with a remote location that says ''Pickup only'' is ripe to be had at a bargain price.

Yep, my £20 Gazelle roadie was pickup only in Essex, my £18 Raleigh Royal tourer from a village near Bedford, my £25 R20's came one from the wilds of Staffs, and the other from London, but again, pickup only. I even won a 20 for £5, but just couldn't manage to make picking it up work.

anyone think i should take on this project, without buying a new dahon?

1990s moulton ABP frame:

http://i8.ebayimg.com/04/i/000/fd/df/e43d_1.JPG
http://i5.ebayimg.com/07/i/000/fd/df/f872_1.JPG
http://i12.ebayimg.com/03/i/000/fd/e0/0c37_1.JPG
http://i1.ebayimg.com/08/i/000/fd/e0/2009_1.JPG
http://i14.ebayimg.com/02/i/000/fd/e0/3478_1.JPG

if i take on this project i could also make quite alot of cash from it and would be able to afford a even better bike but i would be risky :s

It went for 180 pounds !!!

Yeah, that was not so much of a deal.

Latest update: Got some really bad news....

I discovered the front fork is bent. The bike had some tracking issues, and I had initially suspected the rear dropouts weren't straight. So, I tweaked and tweaked to no avail. Today I decided to tear apart the front suspension to see if that the problem. To my dismay, I discovered that it was bent. Then, in the process of me trying to fix it, I REALLY "fixed" it :o. It's dead.

I'll have to source a new front end for the bike ... Good thing I'm making a trip to England in the near future - lots of old Moultons there :thumb:.

Seems these forks are susceptible to bending... I have seen a few on ebay here which were very obviously bent backwards.

There is at least one guy who sells Moulton forks. Don't have more info now.

Seems these forks are susceptible to bending... I have seen a few on ebay here which were very obviously bent backwards.

There is at least one guy who sells Moulton forks. Don't have more info now.

Yes, they do have a history of these failures. It's a little disappointing, really!

Moulton has a preservation society that sells replacement/reconditioned parts. I also just happened to see one on eBay in the UK. Will try to bid for that one.

Mk3 model is probably the best to modify and are already "modern" ie short wheelbase and feel really taut....check out my flickr for a couple of mine?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/worksmoulton/

Hooray! :beer::beer:

While in London for my Excellent Pootle Adventure, I managed (with the help of Sammyboy) to track down a Moulton fork. I had the chance to clean, paint and install it today. Did some other finishing touches to the MK3, and aaaahhhhhhh, all is done. Took a ride on it and it's rolling like it should.

I am doubly delerious that I not only have the MK3 running, but that it has the Moulton Lava as a stablemate. Handsome duo, eh? :love::love::love:

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e157/sesamecrunch/twinmoultons1.jpg

Hooray! :beer::beer:

While in London for my Excellent Pootle Adventure, I managed (with the help of Sammyboy) to track down a Moulton fork. I had the chance to clean, paint and install it today. Did some other finishing touches to the MK3, and aaaahhhhhhh, all is done. Took a ride on it and it's rolling like it should.

I am doubly delerious that I not only have the MK3 running, but that it has the Moulton Lava as a stablemate. Handsome duo, eh? :love::love::love:

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e157/sesamecrunch/twinmoultons1.jpg




OMG!! you are the envy of the Bay area!! really nice additions to the stable!!! What could possibly be next (?!?!?):lol:

I am doubly delerious that I not only have the MK3 running, but that it has the Moulton Lava as a stablemate. Handsome duo, eh? :love::love::love:

Looking great! :thumb: :beer:

Stop patronizing those bloody Brits. U-S-A ... U-S-A.

BIKE FRIDAY

;)

Fantastic - looking good. Love the paint job on the Mk3, do I recall that you did it yourself? I might want some tips - I brought the Royal Enfield home last night, and I would love to give it just as good a paint job.

Yup. Spray can painted. PM me if you want all the lessons on what not to do :).

I might want some tips
Prime
Flatten back with Wet and dry paper with water/detergent
Paint thin coat
Flatten back with Wet and dry paper with water/detergent
Paint
Flatten back with Wet and dry paper with water/detergent
Paint
Flatten back with Wet and dry paper with water/detergent
Buff
Wax

Job done. :)

Prime

Prep with light coat of Bondo or similar product if there are dents or deep pits in the frame. Dry and sand smooth.

Flatten back with Wet and dry paper with water/detergent
Paint thin coat
Flatten back with Wet and dry paper with water/detergent
Paint
Flatten back with Wet and dry paper with water/detergent
Paint
Flatten back with Wet and dry paper with water/detergent
Buff

Finish with ClearCoat spray for protection.

Wax

Job done. :)

Slightly modified :p

But, but, but, what about the place where the gold and blue meet? And where did you get the decals?

Amazing. Makes me sleepless, making plans for my "folders".

But, but, but, what about the place where the gold and blue meet? And where did you get the decals?

On the blue/gold borders, I just used masking tape to define the lines, painted one color (mulitple layers), then painted the other color. Took some time, but it was a labor of love.

Decals came from an eBay decal store for a minimal amount. I'm sure you'd have them in the UK as well. LittlePixel informed me the font was "Compacta" and I just specified the size and color to the printer. The decal showed up 4 days later!

Most impressive, SC! Job well done!

Can you bring them both to our next Folderfest? If you need someone to take care of one of them, say, by riding it, then I'm your man. Always glad to be of service to my fellow man and BFer and Moulton devotee.

^^^
You got it!